Research on the Content of Potentially Toxic Substances Present in Lipsticks Marketed in the Republic of Moldova

Abstract

Lipsticks are cosmetic products frequently used to color and moisturize the lips. Although most manufacturers comply with safety regulations, some lipsticks may contain potentially toxic substances, especially when they are improperly manufactured, come from unsafe sources or use ingredients that can become dangerous in high concentrations. The purpose of our research was: to identify, by qualitative methods, potentially toxic substances in the composition of the analyzed lipsticks. Four types of lipstick served as the object of study for our research, namely: Color design (Canada), Clinique black honey (Belgium), Luxe shape sensation (Avon, Poland), Lucios mark shine burst (Avon, Poland). The following methods were used in this study: observational, experimental, organoleptic. Qualitative analyses do not quantify the exact concentration, but confirm the presence of the respective substance. Based on the results obtained, we formulated the following conclusions: it was found that only one out of four lipstick samples studied did not contain any of the potentially toxic substances analyzed in this work; The organoleptic indicators correspond to the regulatory requirements for all analyzed samples; the high price and a famous name are not always a guarantee of product quality and safety. UDC: 543.06:665.584.288; JEL: Q02